Spinathon supports charities helping young people

A MARATHON Spinathon is being held to raise money for two charities that support young people.

People are being urged to sign up and can either stay all day, or take part for as little as an hour. Proceeds will go to the Starr Trust and Starlight.

Starlight grants wishes to seriously and terminally ill children, while the Starr Trust supports disadvantaged young people who need a helping hand, by providing grants and mentoring to those aged ten to 18 living in the BN postcode area.

The spinathon is being held on Saturday, March 7, at Virgin Active Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, from 9am to 5pm.

It will be followed by a pasta supper in the club’s restaurant, with entertainment, and there will be a raffle and fun prizes throughout the day.

Nicole Carman, press officer for the Starr Trust, said: “Non-members will be welcome to use all the facilities on the day, which is a real treat, and there will also be children’s entertainment and face painting, so families can join in.”

Bikes must be booked in advance. Email Nadia at spinathon-brighton@hotmail.com for more information and to book a place. The minimum donation is £5 per bike, per 55-minute session. Businesses can sponsor a bike from £25.

Starlight is a small children’s charity which helps families throughout the UK in their time of need.

It is the only children’s charity delivering services into every children’s ward in hospitals and hospices throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. This year, it expects to help more than 500,000 poorly children.

The Starr Trust, which is based in Hove and has helped young people in Shoreham and Southwick, provides grants up to £5,000, training and development of skills, connections and mentoring.

The trust’s aim is to support young people to fulfil their potential in sports, arts and education, by providing a helping hand to achieve their goals at a time when they really need it.